Methods of feeding animals phytogenic products

ABSTRACT

A method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant animal a feed composition including a phytogenic composition for improving performance during periods of heat stress involves determining the non-livestock ruminant animal is experiencing heat stress during a period of heat stress conditions, and feeding the heat stressed non-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition including an amount of the phytogenic composition that is effective to improve performance. A method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant animal a feed composition including a phytogenic composition for improving performance in anticipation of periods of heat stress involves determining a potential for heat stress is increased based on one or more of historical weather patterns or short-term forecasts, and feeding the non-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition including the phytogenic composition based on the determined potential for heat stress.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/397,461, filedJan. 3, 2017, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,940,172 on Mar. 9, 2021. Thisapplication is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Implementations relate to feed products and methods of feeding suchproducts to ruminant animals. More particularly, implementations providemethods of feeding non-domesticated, non-livestock ruminant animals feedcompositions supplemented with phytogenic additives to improveperformance during, or in anticipation of, periods of heat stress.

BACKGROUND

Ruminant animals, such as deer, often live in uncontrolled environments,exposed to a wide range of unpredictable conditions that may impactanimal health. Among these conditions, variations in temperature may beespecially harmful and/or difficult to combat. High temperatures and/orhumidity levels may cause ruminant animals to experience heat stress, ahealth condition associated with a range of interrelated symptoms thatmay include reduced feed intake, malnutrition, weight loss, and/orillness. Indeed, heat stress is a major cause of death for ruminantanimals, especially non-livestock, non-domesticated ruminants, for whichartificial cooling techniques and facilities may be impractical andexpensive. The lack of feasible approaches for treating heat stress insuch animals may strain both the economy and various environmentalecosystems. Thus, improved methods of treating heat stress in ruminantanimals in a non-invasive manner that neither imposes lifestylerestrictions on the animals nor relies on temperature-controlledfacilities or cooling devices may be desired.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant animala feed composition including a phytogenic composition for improvingperformance during periods of heat stress may involve determining thenon-livestock ruminant animal is experiencing heat stress during aperiod of heat stress conditions, and feeding the heat stressednon-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition including an amountof the phytogenic composition that is effective to improve performance.

In certain implementations and alternatives, the method may furtherinvolve determining a potential for heat stress is increased based onone or more of historical weather patterns or short-term weatherforecasts, and feeding the non-livestock ruminant animal the feedcomposition including the phytogenic composition based on the determinedpotential for heat stress. In such embodiments, feeding thenon-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition based on thedetermined potential for heat stress may cause the animal to avoiddeveloping one or more symptoms of heat stress.

In some examples, the phytogenic composition may include at least one ofQuillaja, Curcuma, cayenne pepper, or thyme oil. In some embodiments,the phytogenic composition may comprise about 0.008 to about 0.064 wt %of the feed composition.

In certain implementations and alternatives, determining thenon-livestock ruminant animal is experiencing heat stress may involveobserving at least one of a decrease in feed intake, reduced activitylevels, open mouth breathing, increased panting, sweating, or reducedreproduction. In some examples, the amount of the phytogenic compositioneffective to improve performance may be from about 100 milligrams toabout 1500 milligrams of the phytogenic composition per ruminant perday. In some embodiments, improved performance may include one or moreof increased body weight, increased rib flesh, or increased feed intake.In certain implementations and alternatives, improved performance mayinclude an approximately 30 percent increase in daily feed intakecompared to a non-livestock ruminant animal not fed the feed compositionincluding the amount of the phytogenic composition that is effective toimprove performance.

In some embodiments, the non-livestock ruminant animal may be anon-domesticated animal of the family Cervidae. In some examples, thenon-livestock ruminant animal may be an adult white-tailed deer. In someembodiments, the non-livestock ruminant animal may be a breeding-agedoe.

In certain implementations and alternatives, the feed composition mayfurther include a base feed, the base feed including one or more ofprocessed grain by-products, roughage products, plant protein products,grain products, molasses products, pellet binders, vegetable oils, salt,calcium carbonate, probiotics, flavoring agents, vitamins, or minerals.In some examples, the base feed and the phytogenic composition may bemixed together by an end user to form the feed composition. In suchembodiments, prior to the step of feeding, the base feed and thephytogenic composition may be integrally mixed. In some examples,feeding the heat stressed non-livestock ruminant animal the feedcomposition may involve providing the feed composition on an ad libitumbasis.

In some embodiments, a method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant animala feed composition including a phytogenic composition for improvingperformance in anticipation of periods of heat stress may involvedetermining a potential for heat stress is increased based on one ormore of historical weather patterns or short-term forecasts, and feedingthe non-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition including thephytogenic composition based on the determined potential for heatstress.

In certain implementations and alternatives, an amount of the phytogeniccomposition may be from about 100 milligrams to about 1500 milligrams ofthe phytogenic composition per ruminant per day. In some examples, thephytogenic composition may include at least one of Quillaja, Curcuma,cayenne pepper, or thyme oil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing ruminant body weight measurements duringperiods of heat stress conditions for ruminants fed a feed compositioncontaining a phytogenic composition and ruminants fed the same feedcomposition but lacking the phytogenic composition, according to certainimplementations.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing changes in ruminant body weight measuredduring periods of heat stress conditions for the ruminants representedin FIG. 1 , according to certain implementations.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing ruminant rib flesh scores during periods ofheat stress conditions for the ruminants represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 ,according to certain implementations.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the average feed offered per ruminant duringperiods of heat stress conditions for the ruminants represented in FIGS.1-3 , according to certain implementations.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing ambient temperatures measured daily during theperiods of heat stress represented in FIGS. 1-4 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods provide a phytogenic composition in the ruminantdiet to improve performance during, or in anticipation of, periods ofheat stress. Improved performance may include increased feed intake,weight gain, rib flesh, and/or other indicators of heat stressreduction. Improved performance may be achieved particularly innon-livestock, non-domesticated ruminants, such as deer, during variouslife stages. By consuming a feed composition that includes a phytogeniccomposition before or during periods of heat stress, it has beendiscovered that the ruminants may exhibit improved performance, such asincreased weight gain, feed intake, and/or rib flesh compared to heatstressed ruminants not consuming a phytogenic composition, thusameliorating heat stress symptoms or avoiding them altogether.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, the ruminant animals mayinclude deer. The deer may be non-livestock and/or non-domesticateddeer, e.g., white-tail deer. As such, the deer may reside inuncontrolled, outdoor environments, e.g., not covered facilities, wherethe deer may be free to roam. In some examples, the deer may be bred incaptivity and/or confined to outdoor, fenced-in areas. The fenced-inareas may range in size from less than one acre to between 1 and 100acres or more. In various embodiments, the deer may be considered wildor semi-wild. Wild deer may be deer not conditioned to accept or expecthuman interaction, while semi-wild deer may be conditioned to accept orexpect limited human interaction, e.g., bottle-feeding, hand feeding,and the like. The deer may be adult deer in some examples, but thedisclosures provided herein are not limited to specifically agedanimals. The deer may also be male or female, and indicators of improvedperformance may be the same or different between the two sexes. In someembodiments, the deer may be does and may be of approximately breedingage. The term “deer” or “Cervidae” used herein generally means aruminant mammal of the family Cervidae, including white-tail deer, muledeer, black-tail deer, elk, moose, red deer, caribou, fallow deer, roedeer, pudú, and chital.

Feed Compositions Containing a Phytogenic Composition

Feed compositions of the present disclosure may include a phytogeniccomposition. In some examples, the feed composition may include a basefeed combined with a phytogenic composition. The base feed may includeone or more basic nutritional components, and the phytogenic compositionmay include one or more discrete phytogenic additives.

As disclosed herein, one or more phytogenic additives included in thephytogenic composition may be of plant origin, e.g., plant-derivedsubstances, products, extracts, and/or oils. The specific components ofthe phytogenic composition may vary and may be adjusted according to theneeds and/or condition of the deer, the current or anticipatedenvironmental temperature, and/or the components of the base feed. Inembodiments, the phytogenic composition may include one or more activecomponents or substances and one or more carrier components.

In various embodiments, the active components or substances of thephytogenic composition may include but are not limited to: Quillaja(soapbark) extract, Curcuma extract, cayenne pepper, and/or thyme oil.Quillaja extract is a botanical additive derived from the Quillajaceaefamily of evergreen trees. Pure Quillaja extract may be high in saponincontent and provided in powdered form in some examples. Curcuma extractis a botanical additive derived from the Curcuma genus of plants. Insome embodiments, Curcuma extract may include extracts from one or morespecific Curcuma species, e.g., Curcuma longa. Cayenne pepper may bederived from the Capsicum annuum species of peppers. Cayenne pepper mayalso be provided in powdered form, and may contain high levels ofvitamin A. Thyme oil is an herbal oil derived from the Thymus vulgarisplant species, a member of the mint family, which may exhibit variousantimicrobial properties in some examples. The specific chemical makeupof various types of thyme oil may vary in different embodiments.Embodiments may also include various levels of capsaicin, gingeroland/or piperin. Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract, thus derived fromplants in the Capsicum genus. Gingerol is the active component of freshginger, and may be more accurately referred to as [6]-gingerol. Piperinis an alkaloid, i.e., an organic nitrogen-containing base, which may beextracted from black pepper.

The absolute and relative amounts of each active component may vary. Forexample, the Quillaja extract content of the phytogenic composition mayrange from about 20 to about 85 wt %, about 25 to about 80 wt %, about30 to about 75 wt %, about 35 to about 70 wt %, about 40 to about 65 wt%, about 45 to about 60 wt %, or about 50 to about 55 wt % of thephytogenic composition. The Curcuma content of the phytogeniccomposition may also vary. In embodiments, the Curcuma content may rangefrom about 6 to about 26 wt %, about 8 to about 24 wt %, about 10 toabout 22 wt %, about 12 to about 22 wt %, about 14 to about 20 wt %, orabout 16 to about 18 wt % of the phytogenic composition. The cayennepepper content of the phytogenic composition may also vary inembodiments, ranging from about 6 to about 26 wt %, about 8 to about 24wt %, about 10 to about 22 wt %, about 12 to about 22 wt %, about 14 toabout 20 wt %, or about 16 to about 18 wt % of the phytogeniccomposition. The thyme oil content may also vary, ranging in someexamples from about 6 to about 26 wt %, about 8 to about 24 wt %, about10 to about 22 wt %, about 12 to about 22 wt %, about 14 to about 20 wt%, or about 16 to about 18 wt % of the phytogenic composition. In someembodiments, the phytogenic composition may be free of one or more ofthe active components. In embodiments where one or more components ofthe phytogenic composition listed above are omitted, the amounts of theremaining components may be increased accordingly, provided that noadditional active components replace the omitted component. For example,if one or more active components are omitted, the remaining componentsmay be increased such that the remaining components retain the samerelative proportions with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, one or more carrier components may also be includedin the phytogenic composition for various purposes. For example, thecarrier component(s) may protect the active components from degradation.In addition or alternatively, the carrier component(s) may facilitatedigestion of the active components in the ruminant digestive system. Thecarrier components may be provided as a coating around the activecomponents, or may be integrally mixed with the active components. Insome examples, the carrier components may include wheat bran and/orcalcium carbonate. The absolute and relative amounts of each carriercomponent, e.g., wheat bran or calcium carbonate, may vary in differentembodiments.

As provided herein, the phytogenic composition may be combined with abase feed in some examples. Together, the phytogenic compositioncombined with the base feed may comprise a total feed composition fed toruminant animals according to the disclosed methods. The phytogeniccontent of the resulting feed composition may vary. For example, inembodiments where the base feed and the phytogenic composition areprovided separately and combined by an end user, the phytogenic contentmay be adjustable. In some examples, the phytogenic content of the totalfeed composition (containing both the base feed and the phytogeniccomposition) may range from about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt %, about 0.005to about 0.2 wt %, about 0.008 to about 0.075 wt %, about 0.008 to about0.15 wt %, about 0.008 to about 0.064 wt %, about 0.008 to about 0.128wt %, about 0.01 to about 0.05 wt %, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt %, about0.02 to about 0.04 wt %, about 0.02 to about 0.08 wt %, about 0.03 toabout 0.035 wt %, or about 0.03 to about 0.07 wt % of the total feedcomposition. In some embodiments, the phytogenic content of the totalfeed composition may be varied to target specific ruminants and/orspecific feeding spaces. For instance, the phytogenic content of thetotal feed composition provided to ruminants in high fence and/orpasture areas may range from about 0.005 to about 0.2 wt %, or any ofthe aforementioned ranges in between. The phytogenic content of thetotal feed composition fed to ruminants enclosed in penned areas may belower in some examples, ranging from about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt %, orany of the aforementioned ranges in between.

The base feed may provide the basic nutritional and bulk feed componentsneeded in the ruminant diet. In some examples, the base feed may be theprimary food source, by weight, in the ruminant diet, optionallysupplemented by other natural food sources, e.g., forages. Inembodiments, the physical form and/or composition of the base feed mayvary. For example, the base feed may be provided as a pellet. In otherembodiments, the base feed may include extruded nuggets, granularmixtures, feed blocks, mineral blocks, feed tubs, paste compositions,liquids, gels, and/or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the texture andmoisture level of the base feed may also vary. In some examples, thebase feed may be formulated for outdoor feeding. Such formulations maybe at least partially weather resistant.

The nutrient profile of the base feed generally includes various amountsof crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and assortedvitamins and minerals, each combined in various amounts to produce abase feed having variable dry matter and moisture content. For example,the total dry matter content of the base feed may range from about 85 toabout 99 wt %, about 88 to about 95 wt %, about 90 to about 95 wt %,about 92 to about 94 wt %, or about 93 to about 94 wt % of the basefeed. Accordingly, the moisture content may range from about 1 to about15 wt %, about 5 to about 12 wt %, about 5 to about 10 wt %, about 6 toabout 8 wt %, or about 6 to about 7 wt % of the base feed in someexamples. Overall crude protein content of the base feed may range fromabout 10 to about 30 wt %, about 12 to about 25 wt %, about 14 to about20 wt %, or about 16 to about 18 wt % of the base feed in variousembodiments. Total digestible nutrients within the base feed may alsovary, ranging in some examples from about 50 to about 80 wt %, about 55to about 75 wt %, about 60 to about 70 wt %, about 62 to about 68 wt %,or about 64 to about 66 wt % of the base feed. The amount of fat mayalso vary, ranging in various embodiments from about 1 to about 15 wt %,about 1 to about 10 wt %, about 1 to about 9 wt %, about 2 to about 10wt %, about 2 to about 8 wt %, about 2 to about 6 wt %, about 1 to about3 wt %, or about 2 to about 4 wt % of the base feed.

The base feed may include various feed components capable of beingblended, mixed or otherwise incorporated with a phytogenic composition.Generally, the feed components should not degrade the phytogeniccomposition or decrease its effectiveness in treating heat stress (e.g.,the feed components should not counteract the effects of the phytogeniccomposition). In some embodiments, the base feed may include one or morefood components including but not limited to: processed grainby-products, roughage products, plant protein products, grain products,molasses products, pellet binders, vegetable oils, salts, calciumcarbonate, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and/or flavoring agents. Asdisclosed below, the absolute and relative amounts of each base feedcomponent may vary. For consistency, the content of each base feedcomponent is disclosed in the context of the total feed composition,i.e., containing both the base feed and the phytogenic composition.

In embodiments, one or more processed grain by-products may be includedin the base feed. The sub-components of the grain by-products may varydepending on the specific grains processed and/or the processes used tocapture by-products thereof. In some examples, one or more grainby-products may be included in the base feed in amounts ranging fromabout 20 to about 55 wt %, about 25 to about 50 wt %, about 30 to about45 wt %, about 35 to about 40 wt %, or about 37 to about 38 wt % basedon the total weight of the feed composition.

Embodiments may also include one or more whole grains, ground grains, orgrain components. Where employed in the base feed, a whole grain, groundgrain, or a grain component may be a source of carbohydrate, protein,fat, or all of these. Grain components may include bran, germ,endosperm, or portions thereof. Suitable examples of grains may includenatural or genetically engineered grains including amaranth, barley,buckwheat, bulgur, corn, einkorn, farro, grano, khorasan grain, kaniwa,millet, oats, Quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, triticale, wheat(including durum wheat, and bread wheat including hard wheat, softwheat, white wheat, red wheat, winter wheat, and spring wheat), and wildrice. Where employed in the base feed, the total amount of whole grain,ground grain, or grain components may be present at a total amount ofabout 5 to about 50 wt % of the feed composition, or about 10 to about50 wt %, about 10 to about 40 wt %, about 15 to about 30 wt %, or about20 to about 30 wt % of the total weight of the feed composition, or anycompositional amount within the range of about 5 to about 50 wt % in 1wt % increments (such as 6 wt % to 8 wt %, 16 wt % to 52 wt %, and thelike). In particular embodiments, the feed composition may include oneor more grain products at amounts ranging from about 1 to about 20 wt %,about 2 to about 15 wt %, about 4 to about 12 wt %, about 5 to about 10wt %, or about 7 to about 9 wt % of the feed composition.

One or more roughage products may also be included in the base feed insome embodiments. In various examples, the roughage products may containone or more fibrous materials. The content of the roughage products inthe feed composition may vary, ranging from about 5 to about 40 wt %,about 10 to about 35 wt %, about 15 to about 30 wt %, about 20 to about25 wt %, or about 22 to about 23 wt % based on the total weight of thefeed composition.

In some examples, one or more carbohydrates may be provided in the basefeed at about 10 to about 90 wt % based on the total weight of the feedcomposition, or about 15 to about 90 wt %, about 20 to about 90 wt %,about 25 to about 85 wt %, about 30 to about 80 wt %, about 35 to about80 wt %, about 40 to about 80 wt %, about 45 to about 75 wt %, about 50to about 75 wt %, or about 50 to 70 wt % based on the total weight ofthe feed composition, or any compositional amount within the range ofabout 10 to about 90 wt % in 1 wt % increments (such as 16 wt % to 23 wt%, 84 wt % to 85 wt %, and the like).

Example base feed formulations may also include one or more plantprotein products. The content of the plant protein products may vary,ranging from about 3 to about 39 wt %, about 8 to about 34 wt %, about13 to about 29 wt %, about 18 to about 24 wt %, or about 20 to about 22wt % based on the total weight of the feed composition.

Where one or more fats are included in the base feed, the one or morefats may be present at about 0.1 to about 10 wt % based on the totalweight of the feed composition, about 0.25 to about 9 wt %, about 0.25to about 8 wt %, about 0.25 to about 7 wt %, about 0.25 to about 6 wt %,about 0.50 to about 6 wt %, about 0.50 to about 5 wt %, about 0.50 toabout 4 wt %, about 0.50 to about 3 wt %, or any compositional amountwithin the range of about 0.1 to about 10 wt % in 0.1 wt % increments(such as 0.3 wt % to 9.7 wt %, 2.6 wt % to 2.7 wt %, and the like).

In various embodiments, one or more plant-derived oils including avegetable oil, such as palm oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, andolive oil may be included in the base feed. The amount of plant-derivedoils may vary in different examples, ranging from about 0.1 to about 10wt % of the total weight of the feed composition, or about 0.25 to about9 wt %, about 0.25 to about 8 wt %, about 0.25 to about 7 wt %, about0.25 to about 6 wt %, about 0.50 to about 6 wt %, about 0.50 to about 5wt %, about 0.50 to about 4 wt %, about 0.50 to about 3 wt % based onthe total weight of the feed composition, or any compositional amountwithin the range of about 0.1 to about 10 wt % in 0.1 wt % increments(such as 0.3 wt % to 9.7 wt %, 2.6 wt % to 2.7 wt %, and the like). Inparticular examples, vegetable oil may be included in amounts rangingfrom about 0.5 to about 8 wt %, about 1 to about 7 wt %, about 2 toabout 6 wt %, about 3 to about 4 wt %, or about 3.3 to about 3.7 wt %based on the weight of the feed composition.

In various embodiments, one or more sugar-containing or sugar-basedcomponents may also be included in the base feed. In some examples,sugar-containing components may include molasses, honey, sugarcane,sugar beet, fruit, fruit portions, fruit extracts, and the like. In someembodiments, the sugar containing food source is dried prior to use; forexample, molasses or honey may be further dried to remove water prior touse in the base feed compositions of the invention. Where employed, thetotal amount of sugar-containing food components generally ranges fromabout 10 to about 90 wt % of the total feed composition. In someembodiments, the sugar-containing food component may be present at about10 to about 85 wt % based on the total weight of the feed composition,or about 15 to about 80 wt %, about 20 to about 75 wt %, about 20 toabout 70 wt %, about 20 to about 65 wt %, about 25 to about 60 wt %,about 25 to about 55 wt %, or about 25 to about 50 wt % based on thetotal weight of the feed composition or any compositional amount withinthe range of about 10 to about 90 wt % in 1 wt % increments (such as 16wt % to 23 wt %, 54 wt % to 75 wt %, and the like). In specificembodiments, the sugar component may include one or more molassesproducts present in the composition in an amount ranging from about 1 toabout 20 wt %, about 1 to about 15 wt %, about 2 to about 13 wt %, about4 to about 10 wt %, about 5 to about 8 wt %, or about 6 to about 7 wt %based on the weight of the total feed composition.

Another suitable base feed component may be a whole or ground legume, oran extract, or component thereof, including the oil thereof, andcombinations of two or more thereof. Where employed in the base feed, awhole or ground legume, or an extract, or component thereof may be asource of carbohydrate, protein, fat, or all of these. Examples ofsuitable legumes may include peanuts, chickpeas, various common strainsof beans and peas, fava beans, lentils, lima beans, lupins, mung beans,pigeon peas, runner beans, and soybeans. The total amount of whole orground legume, or an extract, or component thereof generally may rangefrom about 1 to about 75 wt % based on the total weight of the feedcomposition, about 5 to about 60 wt %, or about 10 to about 50 wt %based on the total weight of the feed composition, or any compositionalamount within the range of about 1 to about 75 wt % in 1 wt % increments(such as 6 wt % to 23 wt %, 56 wt % to 68 wt %, and the like).

In some embodiments, another suitable food component may be a whole orground seed or an extract, or component thereof, including the oilthereof, and combinations of two or more thereof. Where employed in thebase feed, a whole or ground seed or an extract, or component thereofmay provide a source of carbohydrate, protein, fat, or all of these.Examples of suitable seeds may include flax seed, safflower seed,sunflower seed, rapeseed including canola, and the like. The totalamount of whole or ground seed or an extract, or component thereofgenerally ranges from about 1 to about 50 wt % based on the total weightof the feed composition, about 5 to about 40 wt %, or about 10 to about50 wt % based on the total weight of the feed composition, or anycompositional amount within the range of about 1 to about 50 wt % in 1wt % increments (such as 6 wt % to 23 wt %, 54 wt % to 55 wt %, and thelike).

Another suitable food component may be one or more minerals. In someexamples, minerals may include compounds such as monocalcium phosphate,dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium carbonate,potassium iodate, magnesium oxide, ferric oxide, ferrous oxide, calciumoxide, calcium hydroxide, chromic oxide, copper oxide, copper sulfate,zinc oxide, calcium chloride, copper sulfate, trace amounts of selenium,chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, manganese, fluoride, iodine, and the like.In particular embodiments, calcium carbonate may be included in the basefeed in amounts ranging from about 0.25 to about 5 wt %, about 0.5 toabout 4 wt %, about 0.75 to about 3 wt %, about 1 to about 2 wt %, orabout 1.25 to about 1.75 wt % based on the total weight of the feedcomposition. Some examples may include vitamins such as vitamin A, K, D,D3, various B vitamins, or vitamin E. In various embodiments, one ormore vitamins may be mixed with one or more minerals, forming amineral/vitamin premix. In such examples, the premix may be included inthe feed composition in amounts ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.04 to about 0.4 wt %, about 0.08 to about 0.3 wt %, about 0.1to about 0.2 wt %, or about 0.13 to about 0.17 wt % of the total feedcomposition.

Embodiments may also include one or more probiotics. In some examples,the probiotic content may range from about 0.01 to about 2 wt %, about0.01 to about 1 wt %, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.1 to about0.2 wt %, or about 0.14 to about 0.16 wt % of the feed composition.

In some embodiments, one or more binders, preservatives, stabilizers,emulsifiers, palatants (palatability enhancers), attractants, andcombinations of two or more thereof may be suitably included in the basefeed. The additives may be food safe for the selected animal.

For instance, where the base feed is in a pelleted form, one or morepellet binders may be included. The pellet binders may be formulated toincrease the cohesiveness of each separate base feed pellet. The contentof one or more binders within the feed composition may vary, rangingfrom about 0.5 to about 8 wt %, about 1 to about 6 wt %, about 2 toabout 4 wt %, about 2.5 to about 3.5 wt %, or about 2.8 to about 3.2 wt% of the total feed composition.

Flavoring agents included in the base feed may also vary in identityand/or content. In embodiments, flavoring agents may include a singleflavor-enhancing component or a combination of multiple components. Thecontent of flavoring agents may vary, ranging from about 0.005 to about0.05 wt %, about 0.01 to about 0.03 wt %, or about 0.015 to about 0.025wt % of the total feed composition.

Examples of suitable preservatives may include one or more of sorbicacid, potassium sorbate, fumaric acid, propionic acid, and benzoic acid.Antimicrobial preservatives may include sorbic acid and its salts,benzoic acid and its salts, calcium propionate, sodium nitrite, sulfites(sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfite, etc.) anddisodium EDTA. Antioxidants may include BHA, BHT, TBHQ and propylgallate. Other preservatives may include ethanol andmethylchloroisothiazolinone. Naturally occurring substances such asrosemary extract, hops, salt, sugar, vinegar, alcohol, diatomaceousearth and castor oil are also useful as preservatives in someembodiments of the base feed. In particular embodiments, one or moresalts may be present in the feed composition in amounts ranging fromabout 0.1 to about 5 wt %, about 0.2 to about 4 wt %, about 0.3 to about3 wt %, about 0.4 to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1 wt %, or about0.7 to about 0.8 wt % of the total feed composition.

Examples of suitable emulsifiers may include egg yolk lecithin, mustardseed mucilage, soy lecithin, sodium stearoyl lactylate, andmonoglyceride ester of diacetyl tartaric acid.

Suitable stabilizers may include those that prevent undesirableinteractions within the components of the base feed and/or one or morecomponents of the phytogenic composition mixed therewith. For example,calcium sequestrants such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate may be usefullyemployed to prevent interaction of calcium ions with other components ofthe base feed and/or phytogenic composition compositions, therebymaintaining stability of the feed.

Methods of Feeding Feed Compositions Containing a Phytogenic Composition

Methods of feeding ruminant animals may involve feeding the animals afeed composition containing a phytogenic composition in a mannereffective to improve performance during, or in anticipation of, periodsof heat stress. This approach may involve obtaining a phytogeniccomposition and combining it with a base feed prior to feeding.Alternatively, the base feed may already contain the phytogeniccomposition such that end-mixing is unnecessary.

According to certain implementations, a feed composition containing aphytogenic composition may be provided to the ruminant animals, e.g.,non-livestock, non-domesticated ruminant animals, in anticipation ofperiods of heat stress and/or during of periods of heat stress. Heatstress conditions may generally include elevated temperatures and/orhumidity levels. In some examples, ruminant animals may be morevulnerable to heat stress during abnormally warm and/or humidconditions, versus warm and/or humid conditions that coincide withseasonal expectations. In some examples, heat stress conditions mayinclude ambient temperature conditions of at least about 70° F. In otherexamples, heat stress conditions may include ambient temperatureconditions of at least 75° F., 80° F., 85° F., 90° F., 95° F., 100° F.or above. The duration of high ambient temperatures necessary to causeheat stress may vary. For example, heat-stress conditions lasting lessthan one day may be sufficient to cause heat stress in one or moreruminant animals. In some examples, heat stress conditions may persistfor more than one day, e.g., two or more days or one or more weeks,before heat stress symptoms develop.

During a period of heat stress conditions, an end user may determinethat one or more ruminant animals are experiencing heat stress. An enduser may make this determination by observing one or more symptomsindicative of heat stress. Symptoms may be physical and/or behavioral.For example, heat stress may be observed in the ruminants by one or moresymptoms including increased respiratory rates, decreased activitylevels, decreased dry matter or feed intake, elevated internal bodytemperature, open mouth breathing, excessive panting, sweating, andfailed reproduction. An end user may also determine that a potential forheat stress is increased. In some examples, environmental heat stressmay be predicted based historical weather patterns and/or short-termweather forecasting. For instance, a potential for heat stress may bepredicted based on an upcoming seasonal change, e.g., from spring tosummer. In other examples, a potential for heat stress may be predictedbased on a short-term weather forecast predicting a sudden onset ofwarmer temperatures, e.g., in two weeks or less.

After determining either that a ruminant animal is experiencing heatstress or that a potential for heat stress exists, the ruminant animalmay be fed a feed composition that includes a phytogenic compositionaccording to any of the formulations disclosed above. The amount of thephytogenic composition consumed by the ruminant may be effective toimprove performance. During periods of time where the potential for heatstress is elevated, inclusion of the phytogenic composition in a basefeed may also be beneficial to avoid or delay the onset of heat stresssymptoms, or at least reduce the severity of such symptoms should theystill occur.

In embodiments, the provision of a feed composition containing aphytogenic composition may begin immediately upon determining that oneor more ruminants exhibit symptoms of heat stress. Proactively feedingruminants such feed compositions after identifying a potential for heatstress conditions may commence, in various embodiments, at differentlengths of time prior to the arrival of heat stress conditions. Forexample, ruminants may be provided with the feed composition during thespring, in anticipation of warmer summer temperatures. In otherexamples, the feed composition may be provided to ruminants for abouttwo weeks or less before the onset of heat stress conditions in responseto a short-term weather forecast. Thus, the feed composition may beincorporated into the ruminant diet on a regular basis, e.g., everyspring and/or summer, or on an intermittent basis, e.g., in response toweather forecasting. In some embodiments, the feed composition may beprovided in the diet both before and during periods of heat stressconditions. One or more metrics of improved performance may be enhancedin such embodiments compared to examples in which the deer is fed thefeed compositions exclusively before or during periods of heat stressconditions.

Generally, ruminant animals may be offered a feed composition containinga phytogenic composition ad libitum on a daily basis. In suchembodiments, the animals may be provided the feed composition from aself-feeder apparatus. In addition or alternatively, the feedcomposition may be deposited or dispersed in one or more outdoor areaswhere the ruminant animals may typically roam. In alternativeimplementations, the ruminant animals may be offered a fixed dailyamount of the feed composition containing a phytogenic composition,which may form all or a portion of the animals' daily feed ration.

In some examples, the base feed and the phytogenic composition may beprovided to end users in separate containers or packages. In suchembodiments, the user may be instructed to mix the base feed with thephytogenic composition according to one or more instructions provided onthe packaging for the base feed and/or the phytogenic composition.Instructions may indicate acceptable amounts of phytogenic compositionto be admixed with various amounts of base feed. Instructions may alsoprovide methods of adjusting the phytogenic content of the feedcomposition in response to variations in the severity of heat stressconditions. For example, the instructions may advise end users toincrease the phytogenic content of the feed composition (by adding moreof the phytogenic composition to the base feed) during periods ofextreme heat. The instructions may also indicate acceptable time framesto begin feeding ruminants in anticipation of heat stress conditions.For example, the instructions may advise end users to begin providingfeed compositions mixed with the phytogenic composition to ruminants atleast two weeks prior to the anticipated onset of heat stressconditions. In some embodiments, the instructions may include one ormore warning signs, e.g., heat stress symptoms, prompting end users tobegin mixing the phytogenic composition with the base feed and providingthe resulting feed composition to the ruminants. In addition oralternatively, the instructions may provide one or more averagetemperature ranges that place ruminants at a heightened risk ofexperiencing heat stress. In some embodiments, the temperature rangesmay vary by geographic location, such that the temperature rangesassociated with heat stress in warmer climates are higher than typicalheat-stress temperatures in cooler climates. Such instructions may avoidover- or underuse of the phytogenic compositions due to variations inheat tolerance exhibited by ruminant animals accustomed to differentliving conditions.

The amount of phytogenic composition fed to and available forconsumption by the ruminant animals may vary. In some examples, theamount of phytogenic composition necessary to improve the performance ofone or more ruminant animals may also vary. For instance, increasedphytogenic content may be required to improve performance duringexcessively warm conditions, e.g., 85° F. or above, or increased levelsof the phytogenic composition may be loaded in the feed for high fenceor pasture deer that consume less of the feed composition by virtue ofhaving access to natural forages, e.g., plants, leaves, grasses,compared to pen deer. In some embodiments, ruminant animals may be fedabout 50 to about 3000 mg, about 100 to about 2500 mg, about 200 toabout 2200 mg, about 300 to about 2000 mg, about 400 to about 1800 mg,about 500 to about 1600 mg, about 600 to about 1400 mg, about 700 toabout 1300 mg, about 800 to about 1200 mg, about 900 to about 1100 mg,about 50 to about 1500 mg, about 100 to about 1250 mg, about 200 toabout 1250 mg, about 300 to about 1000 mg, about 400 to about 900 mg,about 500 to about 800 mg, about 600 to about 700 mg, about 100 to about3000 mg, about 200 to about 2500 mg, about 400 to about 2200 mg, about600 to about 2000 mg, about 800 to about 1800 mg, about 1000 to about1600 mg, about 1200 to about 1400 mg, or about 1250 to about 1350 mg ofthe phytogenic composition per head per day.

The amount of total feed composition, including the phytogeniccomposition, fed to and available for consumption by the ruminantanimals may also vary. In some examples, ruminant animals may be fedabout 0.5 to about 10 lbs., about 1 to about 7 lbs., about 2 to about 5lbs., about 3 to about 4 lbs., about 3.5 to about 4 lbs., about 3.75 toabout 3.9 lbs., about 2.5 to about 3 lbs., or about 2.75 to about 2.9lbs. of the feed composition per head per day.

In various implementations and alternatives, one or more ruminantanimals may be fed the feed compositions containing the phytogeniccomposition on a consistent, e.g., daily, basis at least until heatstress conditions and/or symptoms subside. In some embodiments, one ormore ruminants may be fed the feed compositions for a period of timeafter the disappearance of heat stress conditions to prevent areemergence of one or more heat stress symptoms.

The methods of feeding disclosed herein may improve the performance ofruminant animals during, or in anticipation of, conditions of heatstress. Indicators of improved performance may vary from animal toanimal, and may depend on various factors including animal age, animalsex, and/or the severity of heat stress symptoms exhibited by the animalprior to feeding according to the methods disclosed herein. Inembodiments, improved performance may relate to a direct reversal of oneor more heat stress symptoms and/or improvements to animal health notdirectly tied to a reduction in heat stress, but improvements that mightnot otherwise occur during periods of heat stress.

In some examples, improved performance may include increased bodyweight. In particular, ruminant animals fed a feed compositioncontaining a phytogenic composition during periods of heat stress maygain more weight than ruminant animals fed an identical feed compositionbut without the phytogenic composition. In some examples, ruminants fedthe phytogenic composition may at least maintain an approximatelyconsistent body weight during periods of heat stress, while ruminantsnot fed the phytogenic composition may lose weight during the sameperiod. In some examples, ruminants fed a feed composition containing aphytogenic composition according to the methods disclosed herein maygain, on average, at least about 0.5 to about 2.52 lbs., about 1 toabout 2.52 lbs., or about 2 to about 2.5 lbs. over a period of heatstress conditions lasting about 40 to about 45 days. In someembodiments, ruminants fed a feed composition containing a phytogeniccomposition may gain up to approximately 0.06 lbs. per day during aperiod of heat stress. By contrast, ruminant animals fed the same feedcomposition, e.g., base feed, but lacking phytogenic supplementation maylose weight over the same time period. For example, such animals maylose about 1 to about 5 lbs. over a period of heat stress conditionslasting about 40 to about 45 days.

In some embodiments, improved performance may include improvements inbody mass and/or composition. One indicator of body mass/composition forruminants is rib flesh, which may generally refer to the amount and/ornature of flesh in the area of a ruminant's ribs. Lower amounts of ribflesh may be indicative of decreased body mass, while greater amounts ofrib flesh may be indicative of increased body mass, e.g., body fatand/or skeletal muscle. Improved rib flesh may be indicative of generalhealth improvements. For instance, an increase in rib flesh content mayreflect higher activity levels of a ruminant in some examples, and/orincreases in feed intake and overall weight gain. Under conditions ofheat stress, ruminants not fed phytogenic additives may exhibit loweramounts of rib flesh, which may continue to decrease as heat stressconditions continue. By contrast, ruminants fed according to the methodsherein may sustain a constant level of rib flesh, or even show rib fleshgains during periods of heat stress.

According to the disclosures herein, improved performance may alsoinclude increased feed intake. In particular, ruminants fed a feedcomposition that includes the disclosed phytogenic composition mayexhibit greater levels of feed intake during periods of heat stress thananimals fed an identical feed composition but without the phytogeniccomposition during periods of heat stress. In particular examples,ruminants offered feed compositions containing a phytogenic compositionmay consume up to about 30% more feed per day than animals offered thesame feed composition but without the phytogenic composition. Inembodiments, the increase in daily feed intake observed in ruminants fedthe phytogenic composition versus ruminants not fed the phytogeniccomposition may range from about 1 to about 10%, about 10 to about 20%,or about 20 to about 30%. In some examples, ruminants fed a feedcomposition containing a phytogenic composition may consume betweenabout 3 and about 3.73 lbs. of feed per head per day, while ruminantsnot fed a phytogenic composition with an otherwise identical feedcomposition may consume only about 2.5 to about 2.88 lbs. of feed perhead per day. The difference in feed intake observed between animals fedphytogenic compositions during heat stress periods and those not offeredphytogenic compositions may increase or decrease as heat stressconditions persist. For example, the longer heat stress conditionspersist, the greater the difference in observed feed intake betweenruminants fed according to the methods herein and those not fedaccording to the methods herein.

In some examples, one or more indicators of improved performance mayvary depending on the sex of the animal. For example, feeding maleruminants according to the methods discussed herein may promote antlergrowth and/or health during periods of heat stress.

Methods of Making Feed Compositions Containing a Phytogenic Composition

In various embodiments, the feed compositions disclosed herein may beformed by employing known industrial techniques and equipment. Bothbatch and continuous modes of manufacturing are advantageously employedby those of skill in the art to make variously-formulated base feeds,phytogenic compositions, and compositions thereof.

The manner and timing by which the base feed compositions are combinedwith the phytogenic compositions may vary. For instance, the phytogeniccomposition may be admixed with the base feed. In such examples, boththe phytogenic composition and base feed may be fully formed prior tomixing. In other embodiments, the phytogenic composition may beintegrally formed with the base feed or components thereof, e.g., duringan extrusion process, such that the base feed is not yet fully formedupon phytogenic addition thereto.

Implementations of the present disclosure are more particularlydescribed in the following ruminant trials that are for illustrativepurposes only. Numerous modifications and variations are within thescope of the present disclosure as will be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

In the Examples below, statistical analysis was completed for parametersstudied such as body weight, body weight gain, rib flesh, and feedintake. A P-value of 0.10 means that 10 times out of 100 the result canbe explained by factors other than the feeding of phytogenic additivesverses the lack of phytogenic feeding. Statistical analysis wasperformed using SAS version 9.4 with pen identified as the experimentalunit. PROC MIXED was used to analyze body weight, body weight gain, andfeed consumption. PROC NPAR1WAY was used to analyze rib flesh score as aWilcoxon analysis. Statistically significant differences are designatedas those having a P-value of 0.2 or less, meaning that the differingresults may be explained by the test regimen, i.e.: the feeding of abase feed that includes a phytogenic composition versus the feeding ofthe base feed alone.

EXAMPLES

Non-Livestock Ruminant Animal Trial 1

This study was conducted to assess the impact of phytogenic feedadditives on heat-stressed deer. Multiple performance parameters weretracked to measure deer performance, including body weight, body weightgain, rib flesh score, and total feed consumption. By observing theeffects of feeding phytogenic feed additives during periods ofheat-stress conditions, this study revealed the significant improvementsin deer performance that may be achieved by feeding deer according tothe methods disclosed herein.

At a deer facility near Canadian, Texas, 67 breeding age, white-taileddoes were stratified by pregnancy status and each allocated randomly toone of six equally-sized treatment pens. Three pens were used for eachtreatment, and all does present within the same pen received the sametreatment over the 84-day trial period beginning Jun. 23, 2016 andending Sep. 15, 2016.

On day zero of the trial, a complete base feed was provided to all deeron an ad libitum basis from a self-feeder apparatus. Deer in thenegative control group were fed only the base feed, and deer in theexperimental group were fed the base feed supplemented with a phytogenicfeed additive composition sourced from Delacon Biotechnik GmbH. The feedprovided to each group was replenished on a weekly basis throughout thetrial. The specific components of the feed compositions provided to eachgroup, and their relative amounts, are shown below in Table 1. Deer bodyweight was measured individually using a Delclayna Tunnel System with anelectronic scale (EziWeigh5i, TruTest Inc., Mineral Wells, TX). Ribflesh score was also determined individually by a trained evaluatorusing a numeric scale ranging from 1 to 5: 1=poor; 2=lean; 3=prime;4=heavy; and 5=obese.

TABLE 1 Feed Composition Formulas Content Range Feed Component NegativeControl Experimental Processed Grain By Products 35%-40% 35%-40%Roughage Products 20%-25% 20%-25% Plant Protein Products 18%-24% 18%-24%Grain Products  5%-10%  5%-10% Molasses Products 5%-8% 5%-8% PelletBinder 2%-4% 2%-4% Vegetable Oils 3%-4% 3%-4% Salt 0.5%-1%  0.5%-1% Calcium Carbonate 1%-2% 1%-2% Probiotics 0.1%-0.2% 0.1%-0.2%Vitamin/Mineral Premix 0.1%-0.2% 0.1%-0.2% Flavoring Agents 0.01%-0.03%0.01%-0.03% Delacon Phytogenic Compound 0% 0.05%-0.2% 

After day zero, body weight and rib flesh scores were measured on day 42and again on day 84 of the trial. Body weight gain was determined forthe interim periods and at the end of the trial period. To monitorheat-stress conditions, daily temperatures were retrieved from theN.O.A.A. weather database for Hemphill County Airport, Canadian TX.

FIG. 1 shows the average body weight for the negative control group andthe experimental group. Average body weight is displayed on the y-axis,and time is displayed on the x-axis. As shown in FIG. 1 , there was nostatistically significant difference in body weight between the twotreatment groups on day zero (P-value=0.96). On day 42, however, asignificant difference in body weight between the two treatment groupswas measured (P-value=0.19). In particular, the day-42 average bodyweight of each deer in the negative control group was 109.0 lbs., whilethe average body weight per deer for the experimental group was 119.5lbs. A significant difference in body weight between the negativecontrol group and the experimental group was also measured on day 84 ofthe trial (P-value=0.18). On day 84, each deer in the negative controlgroup averaged 111.0 lbs., and the each deer in the experimental groupaveraged 119.5 lbs. Thus, at the mid- and end-points of the trial, theexperimental group of deer fed the base feed plus a phytogenic additivecomposition had increased average body weight relative the negativecontrol group fed the same base feed but lacking any phytogenicadditives.

FIG. 2 shows the average body weight gain for the negative controlgroup, not fed the phytogenic additives, and the experimental group, fedthe phytogenic additives. The y-axis shows per-deer average body weightgains, with positive values representing increases in average bodyweight, and negative values representing decreases in average bodyweight. As shown in FIG. 2 , average body weight gain between day zeroand day 42 was −3.87 pounds for the negative control group and +2.52pounds for the experimental group, representing a significant differencein body weight gain between the negative control animals and theexperimental animals (P=0.19). A numerical difference in body weightgain was also observed over the total trial period. In particular,average body weight gain was −1.45 pounds for the negative control groupand +5.00 pounds for the experimental group over the period spanningfrom day zero to day 84. Thus, feeding deer a base feed supplementedwith phytogenic additives during a period of heat stress conditionsresulted in an increase in body weight gain compared to deer fed anidentical base feed, but without the phytogenic additives.

FIG. 3 shows the average rib flesh score for the negative control groupand the experimental group. The y-axis shows average rib flesh score ona numerical scale ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (obese). The x-axisdisplays time. As shown in FIG. 3 , rib flesh scores at day zero werenot significantly different between treatment groups. On days 42 and 84,however, rib flesh scores for the experiment group were higher than ribflesh scores for the negative control group, producing P-values of 0.06and less than 0.01, respectively. In particular, rib flesh scores forthe experimental group remained above 3.0 for the 84-day duration of thetrial, approaching a score near 4.0 by day 84. The negative controlanimals showed a noticeable decrease in rib flesh score, dipping below3.0 by day 42, and remaining below 3.0 through day 84. Accordingly,animals in the experimental group exhibited improved rib flesh comparedto the negative control group. Improved rib flesh may be indicative ofgeneral increases in body mass, reflecting increased body fat and/ormuscle content.

FIG. 4 shows the average feed offered per deer in the negative controlgroup and experiment group over the 84-day duration of the trial. Asshown, deer in the negative control group were offered, on average,242.1 pounds of feed. Deer in the experimental group were offered 313.4pounds of feed. Because the deer in each of the treatment groups wereoffered feed via a self-feeder apparatus on an ad libitum basis that wasreplenished weekly, the greater amount of feed offered to the deer inthe experimental group indicates increased feed intake compared to thenegative control animals. The results represent an approximately 30%increase in total feed intake over the trial period exhibited by animalsoffered a feed composition including phytogenic additives. These resultscorrespond to an average daily intake of about 3.73 lbs. for theexperimental animals versus an approximately 2.88 lb. average for thenegative control animals. Accordingly, the results shown in FIG. 4demonstrate that feeding deer a base feed supplemented with phytogenicadditives during a period of heat stress results in an increase in feedintake compared to deer fed an identical base feed, but without thephytogenic additives.

FIG. 5 shows the ambient temperatures measured at the trial site,recorded every 15 minutes over the 84-day trial period. Each dot shownin FIG. 5 represents a discrete temperature point, with only differenttemperatures shown. Thus, a constant temperature recorded every 15minutes for an entire day would be represented by a single dot for thatday. Each column of dots represents temperatures recorded during asingle day. As shown, temperatures over the trial period ranged fromabout 60° F. to over 100° F. The temperature met or exceeded 85° F. atleast once on 74 different days. The temperature met or exceeded 90° F.at least once on 62 different days, and met or exceeded 95° F. at leastonce on 35 different days. On average, the temperature was higher overday 0 to day 42 than from day 42 to day 84. Accordingly, theimprovements in performance noted above, e.g., increased weight,increased weight gain, improved rib flesh score and/or increased feedintake, may have been even more substantial had temperatures remainedconsistently high throughout the entire trial period.

Overall, the breeding does receiving the phytogenic feed additives intheir diet consumed more feed, gained more body weight, and hadincreased rib flesh scores during the 84-day trial period.

As used herein, the term “about” modifying, for example, the quantity ofa component in a composition, concentration, and ranges thereof,employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refers tovariation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, throughtypical measuring and handling procedures used for making compounds,compositions, concentrates, or use formulations; through inadvertenterror in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture,source, or purity of starting materials or components used to carry outthe methods, and like proximate considerations. The term “about” alsoencompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a formulation with aparticular initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ dueto mixing or processing a formulation with a particular initialconcentration or mixture. Where modified by the term “about” the claimsappended hereto include equivalents to these quantities.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description ofexample embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together ina single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure andaiding in the understanding of one or more of the various aspects. Thesemethods of disclosure, however, are not to be interpreted as reflectingan intention that the claims require more features than are expresslyrecited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoingdisclosed embodiment, and each embodiment described herein may containmore than one inventive feature.

Although the present disclosure provides references to preferredembodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes maybe made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Cervidae feed composition containing about0.005 to about 0.2 wt % of a phytogenic composition, wherein thephytogenic composition comprises thyme oil and at least one compoundselected from the group consisting of Quillaja, Curcuma and cayennepepper, wherein the feed composition further comprises a base feed inthe form of a pellet, extruded nugget, granular mixture, feed block,mineral block, feed tub, paste, gels, and combinations thereof, whereinthe base feed comprises one or more of processed grain by-products,roughage products, plant protein products, molasses products, pelletbinders, vegetable oils, salt, calcium carbonate, probiotics, flavoringagents, vitamins, or minerals, and wherein the base feed comprises grainproducts from about 1 to about 20 wt % of the feed composition.
 2. Thefeed composition of claim 1, wherein the feed composition contains about0.005 to about 0.1 wt % of the phytogenic composition.
 3. The feedcomposition of claim 1, wherein the phytogenic composition furtherincludes one or more of capsaicin, gingerol, or piperin.
 4. The feedcomposition of claim 1, wherein the thyme oil constitutes about 6 toabout 26 wt % of the phytogenic composition.
 5. A method of improvingperformance of a non-livestock ruminant of the family Cervidaecomprising feeding to a ruminant in need thereof an effective amount ofthe feed composition of claim
 1. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein anambient temperature at feeding is at least 70° F.
 7. The method of claim6, further comprising observing, prior to feeding, that the ruminant isexhibiting a decrease in feed intake, a reduced activity level, openmouth breathing, increased panting, sweating, or a combination thereof.8. The method of claim 5, wherein the phytogenic composition is fed at adaily rate of about 100 milligrams to about 1500 milligrams.
 9. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the improved performance comprises increasedbody weight, increased rib flesh, increased feed intake, or acombination thereof.
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the feedcomposition further comprises a base feed, the base feed comprising oneor more of processed grain by-products, roughage products, plant proteinproducts, grain products, molasses products, pellet binders, vegetableoils, salt, calcium carbonate, probiotics, flavoring agents, vitamins,or minerals.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising admixing,prior to feeding, the phytogenic composition with the base feed to formthe feed composition.
 12. The method of claim 5, wherein feeding theruminant the feed composition comprises providing the feed compositionon an ad libitum basis.
 13. The method of claim 5, wherein the ruminantis free to roam in an uncontrolled outdoor environment.
 14. The methodof claim 5, wherein the ruminant is confined in an outdoor, penned area.15. The method of claim 5, wherein the feed composition is fed to theruminant every spring, summer, or both.
 16. The method of claim 5,wherein feeding the ruminant comprises depositing or dispersing the feedcomposition in one or more outdoor areas where the ruminant typicallyroams.
 17. A method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant of the familyCervidae during a period of elevated ambient temperatures comprisingfeeding to a ruminant in need thereof an effective amount of the feedcomposition of claim
 1. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the periodspans at least a portion of a spring or summer season.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the elevated ambient temperatures range from about 70°F. to about 100° F.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprisingadmixing, prior to feeding, the phytogenic composition with a base feedto form the feed composition.